Rotary valve



F. J. HOLMES ROTARTVALVE Filed June 7, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet NN mm.

mw w mw ww F. J. HOLMES pril's, w30.

ROTARY VALVE Filed June '7, 192B 4 Sheets-Sheet #Wrede/utf8j'4 b21/7165 Apm is, 1930.

ROTARY 'VALVE Filed June?, 192s 4 sneetsneet 4 FJ. HOLMES L754,0l9`

rammed Apr. s, 1930 FREDERICK J". HOLMES, OF DETROITJEICHIGAN,ASSIGNOR TO UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF DETROIT,v TRUSTEE, A CORPORATION ROTARY 'VALVE v Russi-JED Applicationv med June 7, 1928. Serial No. 283,619.'

This invention relates to a rotary valve designed primarily for use in connection with internal combustion engines, one of the objects of the invention bein to combine, with a c rotary valve, a takeup evice providing a sealed connection between the valve and the cylinder ports whereby loss of pressure is eliminated, the said takeup operating automatically tocompensate for all wear between lo the cooperating parts or any irregularities of contour. Y

A. further object is to rovide an automatic sealing connection o this type which' will stand up under the intense heat to which lf the parts are subjected while in operation.

A still further object is to employ a rotary valve for use in connection with the autmatic sealing device, the construction ot the valve being such that it will be-automatically cooled by the fuel being supplied to the engine, this fuel, in turn, being maintained in a highly vaporized stateby the heat from the' exhaust gases. y

A-.further object is to provide an improved sealing means on the valve tor cooperation with the ort sealing means whereby loss of pressure between the valve and its casing is prevented and lubricant is excluded from the interior of the valve and trom the ports of the cylinders with which the .valve cooperates.

A lurther object is .to`provide a rotary valve which, b reason of its peculiar construction and t e parts associated therewith,

will not warp in o' eration but 'will' maintain a high degree of e ciency under all working conditions, and irres ective of any expansion or contraction o the Vworking parts.

With the foregoing and other objects in view whichV will appearas the description proceeds the invention resides` in the combination and arrangement' of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed it being understood that s changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed may be madewithin the scope of what is claimedv without deferred forms of the invention have been shown.

In said drawings,

Figure 1 is al longitudinal section through a portion of the head of the engine, portions of cylinders cooperating therewith bein also shown'in section and a valve in the head eing shown partly in' section and partly in eleva.- tion.

. Figure 2 is a section on line 2 2, Figure l. Figure 3 is a section on line 3 3, Figure 2. Figure a is a section on line 4 4, Figure 2. Figure 5 is a section on line 5 5, Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of one of the sealing sleeves of the valve.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of one of the port takeups or sealing blocks.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the supportI and guide for the block shown Vin Figure Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a slightly moditied construction.

Fiefure l0 is a perspective view of the modified Form of sealing block or takeup shown in Fi ure 9. c

`igure `1l is a perspective view ol the port and guide therefor.

Figure l2 is a side elevation of thetakeup block and guide assembled. y

Referring to the figures by characters of reference l designates the cylinder block of an engine on which is suitablysecured the head 2 which, as shown particularly in Figurev 5, is provided with a cylindrical valve casing 3 surrounded preferably by a water jacket 4 to which access can be hadthrough an opening 5 normally closed by a removable plate 6. A port 7e'xtends throughout the valve casing 3 sofasto open through the head into the adjaoeirtcylinder, it being understood that one of these ports is provided for s;

Located in each cylinder and secured tightly against the head 2 is a flange 8 extending around and integral with one end of a guide sleeve 9 which is extended into the port 7 but 5 spaced from the wall thereof. This sleeve is preferably angular as shown particularly in Figure 8 and is surrounded by a takeup member or block 10 adapted to reciprocate in the space between the wall of the port 7 and 10 the sleeve 9. This block has one end portion lapping the end ofthe sleeve 9 as shown at 11 and the opening 12 through the end portion ofthe block is of the saine size and proortion as the passage within the sleeve 9.

15 n the structures illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 inclusive a seal ring 13 extends around and is seated within the member 10 Where it will ti htly engage that end portion of the wall o the port 7 remote from the cylinder. Another seal ring 14 extends around and is carried b the guide sleeve 9 near that end thereo remote from the ilange 8 and this ring is adapted to fit firmly and tightly against the inner surface of the member 10.

v Member 10 does not extend downwardly to the fiange 8. Instead a space 15 is left between said flange and the adjacent end of the member 10, this space providing a sealing chamber for holdin oil adapted to be supplied to said cham er or pocket from the force feed lubricating system of the engine through a bore-16 extending from a feed pipe 17 as shown in Figure 2. That end' ortion of the member 10 remote from the ange 8 constitutes the head or bearing portion of the takeup and is concaved transversely 'as indicated at 18 in Figure 7 so as to fit snugly against the-periphery ofthe valve hereinafter described. Recesses or apertures 19 are formed in the opposite edge portions of the concave surface 18 and are provided for the purpose hereinafter explained. Springs 20 are housed in the pocket 15 and bear against ange 8 and also against the adjacent i5 end ofy the 4member 10. These springs are constantly submerged in the oil in the pocket 15 so as to be kept cool thereby. They also serve to hold the concave head of the member 10 pressed constantly against the valve 5o of the engine. l

` Mounted for rotation within the housing 3 in head 2 is a cylindrical rotary valve 21 having a concentric tubular core 22 constituting the exhaust manifold of theengine. This cre or exhaust manifold is spaced from the peripheral portions of the rotary valve and, as shown-at the right of Figure 1, can be lextended beyond the head 2 where a suitable bearing 23 can be employed for facilitating rotation of the valve. An annular groove 24 is formed inthe outerjsurface of the valve opposite each of the ports 7 and the concave face 18 of each of the takeup members 10 is adapted to bear against the, valve within each of theseI grooves 24, the said takeup member being of a length substantially equal to the width of the groove in which it is seated. Extending to the exhaust manifold 22 from each ofthe grooves 24 is an exhaust port 25 and formed in the valve at proper points are intake ports 26 adapted to register with the openings y12 at the proper times during the cycle of operation of the engine. As shown particularly in Figure 2 the exhaust port 25 extends through slightly less than ninety degrees. `The intake port associated with said exhaust port 25 and indicated at 26 extends through substantially ninety degrees but the advancing wall of this port, indicated at 27, has a cutoff fla-nge 28 extending therefrom for the purpose of maintaining the opening 12 completely closed until the exhaust port 25 has passed out of communication with said opening. The remaining space within the valve outside of the exhaust manifold 22 and between exhaust port 26 and the exhaust port 25 provides an intake manifold 29 into which fuel will be directed from the supply port of the engine.

The ports 25 and 26 are arranged preferably in pairs, one port 25 and one port 26 being provided for each of the ports 7 and the same being so located as to operate in properly timed relation. Arranged between these pairs of ports is a fuel supply port 30 shown particularly in Figure 5. This fuel supply port is closed at its out-erend by an annular flange 31 carried by a guide sleeve 32 similar to the sleeve 9 and providing an oil pocket 33 around the sleeve and within the port 30. A takeup block 34 similar to the block 10 extends around the sleeve 32 and within port 30 and is provided with a seal ring 35. A seal ring 36 is also carried by the sleeve 32. The head portion 37 of the takeup block is vsimilar to the head portion of the block 10 already explained and is adapted to be held against the periphery of the rotary valve 21V by springs 38 seated in the oil pocket. A fuel supply pipe 39 opens into the sleeve 32 and as the oil pocket 33 is in communication through a bore 40 with a pipe 41 of the pressure lubricating system, it will be apparent that the springs will be constantly submerged and thus protected from injury by heat. The head of the block 34 engages within an annular groove 42 'formed in the outer periphery of the valve 21 between the grooves 24'and, as shown particularly in Figure 5, a port 43 is formed in the valve 21 and extends through approximately two hundred seventy degrees so as to maintain communication vbetween the intake manifold 29 and the fuel inlet while the ports 26 are in f communication with the respective cylinders.

For the purpose of maintaining a sealed connectionbetween the rotary valve and its casing irrespective of any contraction or ex- .'pansion of the partsthat might take place, lthere is provided within each of the grooves Each of these plates'has tongues 5l extending from the sidesthereof at its end, the tongues being cut away at their inner sides as shown at 52 so as thus to forma sliding lapping con- .tact with'the plate 45 within the recesses 48.

The ends of the plates 46 and 47 nearest plate 4 5 have their inner faces cut away between the tongues 51 as shown atl 53 to receive the tongues 49 which thus have a sliding lapping contact. As' the `tongues 49 have their outer faces cut away, transverse shoulders 54 are produced .between the base portions of the tongues f51. These shoulders 54 cooperate out, however, breaking are constantly submerged in oil.

with the shouldersl 50 to form pockets 55 in which springs 56 are seated. These springs are adapted'normally to hold the plates 46 and 47 pressed away from the plate 45 withbetween the cooperatlng portions of the plates.

Those ends of the plates 46 and 47 remote from the plate 45 are formed with transverse tongues 57 terminating inwardly from the opposed edges of the plates as shown particu- Alarly in Figure 6. These tongues are adapted to iit snugly withinthe grooves 19 in the adjacent takeup member or block 10 as is illustrated more especially in Figure 3.

It .is to 'be understood that the band or sleeve 44 is proportioned to fit snugly against .the periphery of the valve within that groove in which the band or sleeve is mounted. For the purpose of holding said band or sleeve spaced from the inner surface of the valve caslng or housing 3 a spring 58 in the form of a transversely corrugated strip is seated within the groove and outside of the sealing band or sleeve. the ends of this spring terminating at opposite sides of the adjacent takeup member 10 or 34. These springs tend constantly to contract the sealing band 44 about the sleeve so as to provide a tight connection which will compensate for wear and any irregularities of contour. As before explained one of the sealing bands or sleeves 44 is located within each of the grooves in the valve and one of thesprings `58 is located around each of these bands or sleeves.

Lubricant is supplied to the spaces occupied by the springs j 58 from a bore 59 communicating with the force feed lubricating system, this bore hav.

ing outlets 6() opening into the several spaces occupied by the springs 58.

Asbefore explained the springs 2O and 38 These the lapping contact springs serve to hold their respective takeup blocks pressed against the periphery of the valve so as to provide a` tight connection through which pressure cannot leak. As oil under pressure is located back of the respective takeup blocks or members, this oil will act to press against said members and force themfirmly against the valve. The springs lare merely employed for holding the members in active positions. .The oil acts to provide the necessary seal to prevent leakage. The o il also serves to prevent the springs from being burned or otherwise injured from excessive heat in the engine. The sealing bands or sleeves provide tight connections between the valve and the ends of the takeup members 10 and 34 and also constitute contractible inner casings for the valve so as to prevent leakage of pressure along the valve in, any direction.` As the valve. rotates in properly timed relation to the reciprocation of the pistons of the engine the ports 26 will be brought into communication with the openings 1'2 in the members 10, thereby to supply fuel to the cylinders during the intake stroke. Likewise, at the proper time during the cycle of operation, the exhaust port 25 will be brought into communication with the opening 12in the adjacent takeup member 10. The gases will be exhausted into the manifold 22 and will serve to maintain the highly vaporized condition of the'gas in the intake manifold 29. This vaporized gas will prefold 22 to the periphery of the valve. The periphery of the valve will be kept cool by 'the gas between the manifold 22 and said periphery with the result that expansion and contraction will be reduced to the minimum. However, any such expansion or contraction which may occur will be compensated for by the relatively movable sealing members indicated at 44, 34, and 10.

Aside from their functionfas a means for forming a tight seal about the rotary valve,

the bands or sleeves 44 also serve toprevent oil from leaking into the cylinder portsv from about the valve.

lVhile it is preferred to depend on oil under pressure as a means for holding the takeup members pressed against the periphery of the valve, thereby to supplement the action ofthe springs, it is to be understood that, if preferred, a structure such as -illustrated in Figure 9 may be utilized. In this structure yvent direct conduction of heat from 'the mani- .ber 64 which,consequentl will be held with proper pressure against t e periphery of the cylindrical valve.

Under some conditions it might be possible to dispense with a pressure lubricating system altogether and to rely solely on the action of springs 66 against thetakeup member 67 as shown in Figure 12. It will be necessary, however, to have these springs submerged in' oil as otherwise they would be soon rendered inefficient. v

That is claimed is:

1. In an internal combustion engine the combination with a cylinder block, a head thereon having an interior valve casing, there being a port extending from the interior of the cylinder block into the valve casing, of a rotary valve within the casing, a guide member within Aand spaced from the walls of the port, a takeup member slidable, upon the guide member and within the port, there being a lubricant pocket around the guide member and back of the takeup member, and resilient means normally submergedin lubricant within the pocket for holding the takeup member pressed against the periphery of the valve, said takeup member having an opening for communication with the ports in the valve and with the port in the head.

2. lIn an internal combustion engine the combination with a head having a valve-casing. therein, and a port leading from said casing through one wall of the head for communication with a cylinder, of a valve mounted for rotation in the casing'having fuel and exhaustports for alternate communication with the port in the head, a guide memberwithin the port in the head, a takeup block extending therearound and slidable within said port, means for exerting constant pres- '.sure against one end of the takeup block for holding the other end thereof constantly in sealing and workingvcontact with the periphery of the valve, and a contractible sealing member interposed betweenthe valve and its casing and abutting at its ends against the takeup block. l

3. Thecombination with the head of an vinternal combustion engine having a valve casing therein and a port extending from said casing through one wall of the head A for communication with a, cylinder, of a rotary valve Within the casing having separatel rts for successive comport in the head and fuel and. exhaust munication with t e casing, a guide member within and spaced from the walls of the port in the head, a takeup block extendingv therearound and slidable thereon, yielding means for holding valve, a contractible and expansible sealing band Within the roove abutting at its ends a ainst and .hel againstl vrotation .by the ta eup block, and resilient .meansl for holding said band `pressed. against the valve. 4. The comblnation with ,the head of an interna] combustion engine havin a. cylindrical valve casing therein provi ed wlth .a port extending through the wall ofthe head for communication with a cylinder. .of a take.- up block slidably mounted in said prt,a rotary valve inthe casinghaving separate fuel and exhaust ports for successive communication with the ports in the block, means for maintaining a pressure against the takeup block for holding it in sealing and Working Contact with the periphery *ofV the valve, a sectional sealingband extending around the valve and abuttilng at its ends againstthe.

takeup block, resilient spreading elements interposed between the ends of the sections of the band, a resilient means engaging the lband and bearing against the valve casing for holding said band contra-ctedupon the valve to maintain a sealed working fit be't een the exhaust manifolds therein, there being a port within the valve communicating with the respective manifolds and movable into successive communication with the port in the head, there being an annular groove in the outer surface of the valve from which the ports extend, a resiliently held takeup block slidable in the port in the head and casing and having a sealing working fit against the perlphery ofthe valve and within the groove, an extensible sealing band includin lapping sections extending around the va ve within the groove and abutting at its ends against the takeup block, and means between the valve casing and the band for holdingsaid band contracted about the valve to maintain a sealing t between said valve and the band.

6. In an internal combustion en 'ne a head having a valve casing therein, t ere being a port extending from said casing through one wall of the head for communication with a cylinder and another port extending from said casing through one Wall of the head for communication with a fuel supply, a rotary valve within the casing havlng annular grooves, takeup blocks within the ports,

means for subjecting said blocks to pressure for maintaining a sealing Working connectiortbetween the blocks and the grooved portions ,ef the valve, there' being concentric lll intake and exhaust manifolds within the valve, there being a port in the intake manifold portion ofthe valve for communication held against rotation by the takeup blocks.

7. In an internal combustion engine the combination'with a head having a valve casing therein and a port leading from said casing through one wall of the head for communication with a cylinder, of a valve mounted for rotation in the-casing having fuel and exhaust ports for alternatel communication with the port in the heada guide member detachably secured to one face of the head whereby, when the head is removed from its cylinder, said end of the member and its fas- Y working contact with the tening means'are exposed, said guide member being extended into the port in the head, a takeup block extending around the guide member and slidable within the port, and

means for exerting constant pressure against one end of the takeup block for holding 'the other end thereof constantly in sealing and Ieriphery ofthe valve, said takeup block! being removable with the guide -member from the port.

' 8.l In an internal combustion engine the combination with a head havin a valvecasing therein and a port leading rom said casing through one wall of the head for communicating with a cylinder, of a valve mounted for rotation in the casing having fuel and exhaust ports for alternate `communication with the port in the head, a guide member detachably secured to one face of the headl whereby, when the head is removed from its cylinder, said end of the member and its fastening means are exposed, said guide member being extended into the port inthe head, a takeup block extending around the guide member and slidable within the port, and means for directing a lubricant under pressure against one end of the takeup block thereby to hold the other end thereof constantly in sealing and working'contact with the periphery of the valve. v

9. In an internal combustion engine the combination with a head havin a valve casing therein, and a port leading ing through onewall of the head for communication with a cylinder, of a valve mounted for rotation in the casing having fuel and exhaust ports for alternate communication with the port in the head, a guide memberv within the ort in the head, a takeup block extending t ierearound and slidable w1thin `said port, means for exerting constant pressure against one end of the'takeup block for rom said casvholding the other end thereof constantly in sealin and working contact with the perlph-I ery o the valve, and a contractible sealing member interposed between the valve and its casing, said takeup block constituting means for holding the sealing member against rotation with the valve.

10. The combination with the Yhead of an internal combustion engine having a valve casing therein and a port extending from said casing through one wall of the head for communication with a cylinder, of a rotary valve within thecasing having separate fuel and exhaust ports for successive communication with the port in the head and casing, a

guide member within and spaced from vthe walls of the port in the head, a takeup block extending therearound and slidable thereon, yielding means for holding said block in sealing and working llcontact with the periphery port extending through the wall of the head for communication wlth a cylinder, of a takeup block slidably mounted in said port, a rotar valve in the casing having lseparate fuel an exhaust ports for successive communication with the ports in the block, means for maintaining a pressure against the takeup block for holding it in sealing and working contact with the periphery of the valve, a sealing band extending around the valveheld against rotation by the takeup block, resilient spreading elements interposed between the ends of the sectionsof the band, a resilient means engagingfthe band and bearing against the valve casing for holding said band contracted upon the valve to maintain a sealed pressure for maintaining a sealing working connection between the blocks and the valve,

there being concentric intake and exhaust manifolds within the valve, there being a port in the intake manifold portionY of the valve for communication with the intake port and 1separate, ports in the intake and exhaust -of the valve, means for subjecting the takeup las I manifold portions of the valve for successive communication with the port leading to the cylinder, and extensible, contractible, sealing bands providin sealing working connections between the va ve and its casing, the bands being held against rotation by the takeup blocks. v

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto'aixed my signature. m FREDERICK J; HOLMES. 

